Contribution of the distal tubule to potassium excretion in experimental glomerulonephritis

The renal adaptations that maintain potassium homeostasis in diffuse forms of glomerular disease are not well defined. Thus, handling of potassium by superficial nephron segments was examined in a rat model of antiglomerular basement membrane nephritis. Sampling the same nephron successively from the end and beginning of the distal tubule and the end of the proximal tubule allowed a segmental analysis. Despite a 40% reduction in GFR, potassium excretion in the glomerulonephritis animals was normal due to an increase in FEK. The proximal tubule and loop segment did not contribute to the enhanced FEK seen in these animals. In contrast, potassium entry along the distal tubule was significantly greater in the experimental group averaging 13.7 +/- 4.3 pmol/min compared to 1.2 +/- 1.7 pmol/min in controls (P less than 0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that distal tubule potassium entry at any level of flow was enhanced in glomerulonephritis compared to controls (P less than 0.0001). Plasma aldosterone levels were similar in both groups of animals. Thus, the adaptation to potassium excretion seen in glomerulonephritis is partly achieved by the distal tubule through flow-rate independent mechanisms and appears to be independent of plasma aldosterone levels.